Week 4

Question 1

Define chemical mediators

Answer 1

a variety of chemicals secreted by various cells and from injured tissue involved in the inflammatory response e.g., histamine

Question 2

Define chemotaxis

Answer 2

phenomenon that guides and attracts WBCs to the site of injury. Chemotactic agents include some of the chemical mediators, antibodies, products from bacteria and dead tissue

Question 3

Define cicatrix

Answer 3

a scar; the fibrous tissue left after the healing of a wound

Question 4

Define cicatrization

Answer 4

the formation of a scar (by conversion of granulation tissue to a scar)

Question 5

Define collagen

Answer 5

the protein substance of fibers of skin, tendon, bone, cartilage, and other connective tissues; produced by fibroblasts; several different types

Question 6

Define exudate

Answer 6

fluid accumulation outside of a vessel; it has a high protein content and contains various types of inflammatory cells

Question 7

Define fibrosis

Answer 7

formation of fibrous tissue usually in repair or replacement of cellular elements

Question 8

Define granulation tissue

Answer 8

small, rounded masses of tissue formed during healing; made up of newly formed capillaries, fibroblasts elaborating connective tissue, and macrophages

Question 9

Define hyperemia

Answer 9

excess of blood in a part

Question 10

Define keloid

Answer 10

a sharply elevated, irregularly shaped scar due to excessive collagen formation during connective tissue repair

Question 11

Define leukocyte

Answer 11

white blood cell (WBC)

Question 12

Define leukocytosis

Answer 12

a transient increase in the number of leukocytes (WBCs) in the blood

Question 13

Define monocyte/macrophage

Answer 13

type of white blood cell; as inflammatory process continues these cells finish off what the neutrophils begin and continue to clean up the debris

Question 14

Define permeability

Answer 14

the degree of selectivity a membrane shows in allowing substances to pass through or in preventing passage; “leakiness”

Question 15

Define phagocytosis

Answer 15

a process in which a cell takes particles and substances into itself for destruction

Question 16

Define pus

Answer 16

a thick, opaque, usually yellowish-white, fluid matter that is formed as part of an inflammatory response containing dead white blood cells (such as neutrophils)

Question 17

Define pyogen

Answer 17

a pus-producing microorganism

Question 18

Define pyrogen

Answer 18

a fever-producing microorganism

Question 19

Describe inflammation

Answer 19

a host response to cellular/tissue damage and infection. It is a protective response that is essential for our survival

Question 20

What are the purposes of an inflammatory reaction?

Answer 20

1.Destroy or limit the spread of the injurious agent
2.Allow for repair or replacement of the damaged tissue

Question 21

What are the major players in the inflammatory response?

Answer 21

Blood vessels and leukocytes (WBCs)

Question 22

What steps do the inflammatory response consist of?

Answer 22

1.Recognition – an offending agent is recognized by host cells and molecules
2.Recruitment – Leukocytes and plasma proteins are recruited from the circulation
3.Removal – Agent is destroyed and eliminated by activated leukocytes and proteins
4.Regulation – The reaction is controlled and terminated
5.Resolution – The damaged tissue is repaired

Question 23

What are the 5 principles of inflammation?

Answer 23

1.Inflammation is a dynamic process that starts with the injury and culminates with healing or repair
2.It is primarily a protective response, but it may be potentially harmful
3.The inflammatory reaction is non-specific: i.e., a stereotyped process regardless of the nature of the injury
4.The intensity, duration, and outcome of the inflammatory reaction are modified by a variety of host factors and factors related to the injurious insult or etiologic agent
5.For inflammation to occur, the injury must be non-lethal